Guillem Balague looks ahead to Man City's clash with Liverpool FC in the Champions League on Wednesday

Guillem Balague believes that Liverpool FC will have to score first if they want to have any hope of beating Manchester City and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

The Reds are preparing to host the Premier League leaders at Anfield on Wednesday night in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have been earning plenty of praise for their strong attacking performances in recent weeks and they came from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Anfield last weekend.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have been the Premier League’s top performing team this season and they are now just one win from the title after their 3-1 victory over Everton on Saturday.

And Spanish football expert Balague believes that the first goal at Anfield on Wednesday night could end up being crucial in determining which way the tie heads in.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Balague said: “Two of the areas that the teams can be exposed in – the high line of Man City and building from the back for Liverpool – can be taken advantage of by their rivals.

“And if Man City score first I can see the game going to them but if Liverpool score first that will be interesting as they will be comfortable defending deeper and hitting on the counter.

“It can go either way but I think those are the two big points.”

Liverpool FC are aiming to progress in the Champions League as they look to try and win their first trophy under Klopp.

The Reds reached the Europa League final in 2016 but were beaten by Spanish side Sevilla.

Manchester City, meanwhile, lifted their first trophy under Pep Guardiola in February after beating Arsenal in the League Cup final.